Talk Me Into (or out of) a Mac/B&W Combo

Congrats!

 

Hmm...I need to think seriously about the 802s. They aren't THAT much bigger than the 803s...

 

Nothing like new toys of that calibre. Congratulations.

 

Another vote for the 802D vs 803D.
The proportions of the 802s are more harmonic and well rounded , everything fits much better, those 803's are too slim imo.

 

Thanks guys--can't wait --I currently have an MC402 stereo amp and its great but the MC601 monos look and sound fantastic. When it came to speakers I traveled and listened to them (802 Diamonds) at two different brick and mortars---I like the sound and never deviated. It will all be paired with my McIntosh C2300 preamp. Report and photos asap--have a great weekend everyone.


Mike

 

So, you're looking at an c2300/MC601/802 Diamond set up? Wow - that will shake the walls.

As an 803D owner, I have to agree that the 802D is a better speaker. At the time I made my purchase, I thought that the 803D sounded better at low volumes and that I would have trouble driving the 802's with the MC275 I was using at the time. Oh well . . . . .

 

That's what I was thinking. That's a system you can happy with for a very long time...

 

I currently own the C2300/MC402 combo--got it last year. The 802 Diamonds and 601 monos will be the new additions. The Mc402 is sold.

Mike

 

OP here. Just thought I'd update y'all on my progress. I replaced my old, bulky tube TV with a 41" flatscreen and purchased a Salamander Synergy rack which would accommodate a McIntosh amp.

After much deliberation, I decided to forego the MA7000 and get a C50/MC302 combo, and I took delivery earlier this week. Wow! These things are gorgeous--and heavy! And my ancient JBLs have never sounded better! But I am hoping to replace them with the B&W 802D2s soon. Then my front-end pieces...

Anyway, after a lifetime of mass-market gear, this McIntosh combo is like a whole other world: the sound is smooth, rich, involving--even with my mass-market JBLs! Amazing!

 

Congrats. Keep Nashville rocking.

 

Glad you are enjoying it so far....

 

Congrats on your system.

Mike

 

My 802D2s are on the way...I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

 

congratulations!

I am envious!

 

I think you will really enjoy them!

 

Be prepared to want to listen to ALL your albums again.

You can sleep when you're dead!!

 

The Mac or Bryston amp will sound great w/ B&W speakers.
Play it Loud!

 

I have THOUSANDS of albums! I hope to live a long time!

 

Great stuff. Photos when they arrive, please.

 

802D's

Congrats!

 

I am new to the forum and is about to purchase the 802 Diamond. However, I am unsure of the power amp for them. I am looking at McIntosh MC3201 monoblocks at 300 wpc tube amp. I have read Tonepub #40 and found that you have McIntosh 1.2kW on hand but did not mentioned the synergy between them. (the Mc and B&W). Would appreciate also all 802 Diamond owners to chime in as to your journey to find the matching amp for the 802 diamond. Thanks.

 

My Macintosh dealer also sells B&W, that's all he's uses to audition those amps with, sounds amazing to these ears.